Why You Should Oppose The Graham-Cassidy Repeal Bill | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Politics and Activism

Why You Should Oppose The Graham-Cassidy Repeal Bill

You try to deny people health care, I get upset. You deny it because of their autism? I get angry.

55
Why You Should Oppose The Graham-Cassidy Repeal Bill
WBUR News

I never got why the Affordable Care Act, or Obamacare as it is most popularly known, was such a big deal. I was 13 when the bill was passed in 2010, and was (and still am) on my parents' health care plan, and don't know the complexities of the health insurance markets. What I get even less is why the entire Republican Party seems to hate it with a burning passion, enough to use its repeal as a campaign point in every election since 2010, propose its removal 67 times, and even shut down the government for several weeks. And now, with a "Republican" president and a Republican majority in Congress, they might finally get their dream.

Unfortunately, for the millions of Americans who actually benefit from the Affordable Care Act, that might look a lot like a nightmare. It is estimated that around 32 million Americans, about a tenth of the country, will lose their insurance in the next ten years if the latest attempt to repeal and "replace" Obamacare goes through. All insurance premiums (what you pay for coverage) will go up by at least 20 percent, due to the individual mandate requiring everyone be insured being repealed. If you're sick, though, it will be much, much higher; the law will also permit insurers to raise the premiums of those with pre-existing conditions to exorbitant levels, if not deny them insurance entirely. They wouldn't have to cover pregnancy and maternity care, mental health treatment, substance abuse treatment, or even prescription drugs, all of which are required by the ACA as "essential benefits".

Here is a rough estimation (as the Senate has decided to not wait for the numbers from the official sources) of how much the new bill will cost if you have one of several common conditions:

That's thousands, if not tens of thousands of...wait.

Oh. Oh.

You know what? This just got personal. Senators Lindsey Graham and Bill Cassidy, I don't know if you know what exactly is in this bill of yours (most indications seems to be that you don't), but you are rendering a disservice to the American people. No one deserves to pay over five thousand dollars because of the way they were born. No one deserves to pay over ten thousand dollars to even give birth. Hell, no one deserves to pay over a hundred thousand dollars for something that could save their life. If you'll excuse me for a minute, I am going to call my senators and tell them not to back this bill, or any future bills of their ilk. My life might not depend on it, but other's certainly do.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Featured

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

189589
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

14523
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

Power of Love Letters

I don't think I say it enough...

457542
Illistrated image of a letter with 2 red hearts
StableDiffusion

To My Loving Boyfriend,

  • Thank you for all that you do for me
  • Thank you for working through disagreements with me
  • Thank you for always supporting me
  • I appreciate you more than words can express
  • You have helped me grow and become a better person
  • I can't wait to see where life takes us next
  • I promise to cherish every moment with you
  • Thank you for being my best friend and confidante
  • I love you and everything you do

To start off, here's something I don't say nearly enough: thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You do so much for me that I can't even put into words how much I appreciate everything you do - and have done - for me over the course of our relationship so far. While every couple has their fair share of tiffs and disagreements, thank you for getting through all of them with me and making us a better couple at the other end. With any argument, we don't just throw in the towel and say we're done, but we work towards a solution that puts us in a greater place each day. Thank you for always working with me and never giving up on us.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Signs You Grew Up In Hauppauge, NY

Because no one ever really leaves.

26461
Map of Hauppauge, New York
Google

Ah, yes, good old Hauppauge. We are that town in the dead center of Long Island that barely anyone knows how to pronounce unless they're from the town itself or live in a nearby area. Hauppauge is home to people of all kinds. We always have new families joining the community but honestly, the majority of the town is filled with people who never leave (high school alumni) and elders who have raised their kids here. Around the town, there are some just some landmarks and places that only the people of Hauppauge will ever understand the importance or even the annoyance of.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments